Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

H Fukui

Publications and source records attributed to H Fukui.

At least 307 records · Page 17Linked to original sources

Aphidicolin inhibits DNA polymerizing activity but not nucleolytic activity of Escherichia coli DNA polymerase II.

We have purified the DNA polymerase II of Escherichia coli from the recombinant strain carrying the plasmid which encodes the polB gene. We confirmed that the purified protein, of molecular weight 90,000, possesses a 3'----5' exonuclease activity in addition to DNA polymerizing activity in a single polypeptide. Its DNA polymerizing activity was sensitive to the drug aphidicoline, which is a specific and direct inhibitor of the alpha-like DNA polymerases including eukaryotic replicative DNA polymerases. Aphidicolin had no detectable effect on the 3'----5' exonuclease activity. The inhibition by aphidicolin on the polymerizing activity of polymerase II was competitive with respect to dNTP and uncompetitive with respect to template DNA. This mode of action is the same as that on eukaryotic DNA polymerase alpha. The apparent Ki value calculated from Lineweaver-Burk plots was 55.6 microM.

Aphidicolin↗

Portal vein aneurysm demonstrated by blood pool SPECT.

Portal vein aneurysms are rare and are occasionally suggested by ultrasound and usually confirmed by invasive angiography. Such a case was diagnosed by scintigraphic studies, most importantly blood pool SPECT, which clearly separates it from hepatic cysts.

Adult↗

A monoclonal antibody (NMC-VIII/10) to factor VIII light chain recognizing Glu1675-Glu1684 inhibits factor VIII binding to endogenous von Willebrand factor in human umbilical vein endothelial cells.

The monoclonal antibody NMC-VIII/10 is a neutralizing antibody which recognizes the Glu1675-Glu1684 sequence of the factor VIII light chain and inhibits factor VIII (FVIII) binding to immobilized von Willebrand factor (vWf). In this study we immunohistochemically determined, using human umbilical cord tissue, whether or not NMC-VIII/10 has an inhibitory effect on FVIII binding to endogenous vWF in endothelial cells. Tissue sections were reacted with purified FVIII followed by peroxidase-conjugated monoclonal antibody (C5) recognizing the 54 kD fragment of the FVIII heavy chain. The labelling pattern of bound FVIII was similar to that of endogenous vWF and appeared as a fine granular deposit in the endothelial cells. Addition of purified vWF completely inhibited the binding of FVIII to endothelial cells. Furthermore, FVIII did not bind to endothelium in the presence of 0.25 M CaCl2, and similarly, thrombin-treated FVIII did not bind to the vascular site. These findings suggested that FVIII was bound to endogenous vWF in the endothelial cells. The binding reaction was completely inhibited by NMC-VIII/10, confirming that the monoclonal antibody recognizes the specific epitope responsible for FVIII binding to endogenous vWF.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

True pulmonary carcinosarcoma (squamous cell carcinoma and chondrosarcoma). A case report.

True pulmonary carcinosarcoma (squamous cell carcinoma and chondrosarcoma) originating in the right lower lobe in a 62-year-old Japanese male is reported. The tumor, measuring 5.5 x 3.5 x 3.5 cm, was markedly necrotic and its apex protruded into the bronchial lumen. Light microscopy showed that the tumor was composed of squamous cell carcinoma with sarcomatous spindle or polygonal cell proliferation and true chondrosarcoma. Immunohistochemically, the cytoplasm of numerous cells of the squamous cell carcinoma component was stained with anti-cytokeratin (PKK 1) and the cytoplasmic membrane with anti-epithelial membrane antigen (EMA). Although sarcomatous regions were stained with anti-vimentin (vimentin) and no tumor cells were reactive for EMA, a few tumor cells were positive for PKK 1. The cytoplasm of numerous chondrosarcoma cells was positively stained for vimentin and S-100 protein. Based on these findings, we concluded that the present tumor was a true carcinosarcoma composed of squamous cell carcinoma with sarcomatous regions and true chondrosarcoma.

Aged↗

Vagal afferent fibers and peripheral 5-HT3 receptors mediate cisplatin-induced emesis in dogs.

The involvement of visceral afferent fibers and 5-HT3 receptors in the emesis induced by cisplatin was studied in beagle dogs. The emesis induced by cisplatin (3 mg/kg, i.v.) was inhibited by the intravenous administration of ICS205930 (2 x 0.01 or 2 x 0.1 mg/kg) and MDL72222 (2 x 0.5 mg/kg), 5-HT3 receptor antagonists, but not by the intravenous administration of metoclopramide (2 x 0.5 mg/kg), a dopamine D2 receptor antagonist. The cisplatin-induced emesis was also suppressed by the intravenous administration of para-chlorophenylalanine (300 mg/kg/day for 3 days), an inhibitor of 5-HT synthesis. On the other hand, the administration of ICS205930 into the IVth ventricle (2 x 0.01 mg/animal) had no effects on the cisplatin-induced emesis. The cisplatin-induced emesis was completely inhibited by abdominal vagotomy and splanchnicectomy, but not by splanchnicectomy alone. On the contrary, the emesis induced by apomorphine was suppressed by the intravenous (0.1 mg/kg) or intracerebroventricular (0.05 mg/animal) administration of metoclopramide, but not by visceral nerve section. These results strongly suggest that cisplatin evokes emesis mainly by acting on the vagal afferent terminals through the release of 5-HT and that peripheral 5-HT3 receptors are involved in this action.

Afferent Pathways↗

Chronic active Epstein-Barr virus infection in an adult.

We report a rare adult case of chronic active Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection. A 54-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital with intermittent fever, weight loss, hepatosplenomegaly, pancytopenia and liver disturbance. In serological tests for EBV, anti-virus capsid antigen (VCA)-IgG antibody and anti-early antigen (EA)-IgG antibody were markedly elevated and anti-EBV nuclear antigen (EBNA) antibody was negative. EBV genome was detected in the bone marrow nucleated cells and peripheral lymphocytes by Southern blot hybridization. The patient developed left facial edema, bilateral breast tumor and pneumonia. She died one year after admission in spite of the administration of prednisolone, interferon and acyclovir.

Acyclovir↗

Effects of capsaicin desensitization on nasal allergy-like symptoms and histamine release in the nose induced by toluene diisocyanate in guinea pigs.

Intranasal application of toluene diisocyanate (TDI) induced nasal allergy-like symptoms of sneezing and watery rhinorrhea and decreased the histamine content of the nasal mucosa in guinea pigs. However, in the animals pretreated with capsaicin (capsaicin desensitization) before sensitization with TDI, nasal allergy-like symptoms were not induced. Capsaicin desensitization also inhibited histamine release in the nasal mucosa induced by TDI. These findings suggest that antidromic impulses of capsaicin-sensitive sensory nerves stimulated by TDI cause histamine release from mast cells in the nasal mucosa, resulting in nasal discharge and sneezing in guinea pigs. Thus neurogenic inflammation via an axon reflex in the nose may contribute to the pathogenesis of vasomotor rhinitis.

Animals↗

[Effect of dibutyryl cyclic AMP in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma--intraarterial infusion therapy combined with anticancer agent for hepatocellular carcinoma with portal vein thrombosis].

Dibutyryl cyclic AMP was administered to 7 cases with hepatocellular carcinoma and its tumor thrombosis in portal vein, combined with intraarterial infusion of Mitomycin C or Adriamycin with implanted reservoir. Among these cases, tumor regressed in 5 cases, and therapeutic effect on tumor thrombosis was observed in 4 cases. The median survival time after initial treatment was about 5 months in 5 cases of Vp3, and more than 18 months in 2 cases of Vp2. Reduction of liver dysfunction by cholinesterase and hepaplastin test was found in most cases, and no severe side effects were observed. It is suggested that dibutyryl cyclic AMP has an antitumor effect on hepatocellular carcinoma, especially on its tumor thrombosis in portal vein, and also may assist in recovery from liver dysfunction.

Aged↗

[A case of anti-GBM nephritis (crescentic glomerulonephritis) associated with membranous nephropathy].

We report a case of endstage renal disease due to simultaneous occurrence of membranous nephropathy and crescentic glomerulonephritis associated with anti-GBM antibodies. The patient was a 60-year-old male and was hospitalized for prolonged anorexia and general malaise. On admission, his body temperature was 38.5 degrees C. Urinalysis revealed 3+ proteinuria and the sediment contained abundant erythrocytes. The urea nitrogen was 142.4 mg/dl, the creatinine 19.5 mg/dl, the potassium 6.47 mEq/dl and CRP 10.1 mg/dl. Anti-GBM antibodies were 1000EU/ml. Immediately after initiating hemodialysis, pulse steroid therapy, plasma exchange and continuous heparinization were performed. However, renal function had been impaired and maintenance hemodialysis was required. Histological examination of the renal specimen revealed marked epithelial crescent formation, whereas thickening of basement membrane and mesangial proliferation were not observed. By immunofluorescent staining, both bright linear and fine granular fixation of IgG and fine granular fixations of C3 along the glomerular capillary walls were observed. Electron microscopy showed subepithelial electron lucent deposits and thickening of the glomerular basement membrane, diagnostic of the advanced membranous nephropathy (stage IV).

Autoantibodies↗

Acquisition of growth autonomy and tumorigenicity by an interleukin 6-dependent human myeloma cell line transfected with interleukin 6 cDNA.

In human multiple myeloma, an autocrine growth mechanism through interleukin 6 (IL-6) has been advocated. However, growth of myeloma cells in vitro is poor except for established cell lines, and IL-6 autocrine growth is quite rare in myeloma cell lines. In the present study, we devised a model of IL-6 autocrine growth in vitro by transfecting IL-6 cDNA into a human myeloma cell line that had a proliferative response to IL-6 but did not produce IL-6. After IL-6 transfection, the cells proliferated in culture media without IL-6, and their growth rate was elevated at higher cell densities. IL-6 was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in the culture media of the transfectants. IL-6 mRNA was distinctly expressed in these cells when analyzed by Northern blotting. The growth of the transfectants was definitely inhibited by anti-IL-6 or anti-IL-6 receptor monoclonal antibodies. Furthermore, the transfectants were successfully transplanted to nude mice. These results indicate that the myeloma cells obtained growth autonomy in vitro through IL-6 and tumorigenicity in vivo, after IL-6 transfection.

Animals↗

[Surgical treatment for lung cancer cases with an interlobar pleural involvement].

Among surgically resected 192 lung cancer cases, eleven with a interlobar pleural involvement (p 3) were studied to clarify their characters. The five year survival rate of interlobar p 3 was 12.5% (15.6% in case of excluding death of other diseases), which was better than that of the other parietal p 3. Result of surgical treatment of lobectomy + partial resection for interlobar p 3 had better tendency compared with that of bilobectomy or pneumonectomy. But, unfortunately it was necessary for interlobar p 3 to care the local recurrence in the future. We hope that the general rule of the treatment for interlobar p 3 was carefully discussed furthermore, including the safety margin in the partial resection or the classification on T factor.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Expression cloning of a cDNA encoding the bovine histamine H1 receptor.

A functional cDNA clone for the histamine H1 receptor was isolated from a cDNA library of bovine adrenal medulla by a combination of molecular cloning in an expression vector and electrophysiological assay in Xenopus oocytes. The H1 receptor cDNA encodes a protein of 491 amino acids (Mr 55,954) with seven putative transmembrane domains, illustrating the similarity to other receptors that couple with guanine nucleotide-binding regulatory proteins (G protein-coupled receptors). The sequence homology between the H1 and H2 receptors is not higher than that between the histamine H1 and m1-muscarinic receptors. The cloned receptor protein expressed in COS-7 cells bound specifically to [3H]mepyramine, an H1 receptor antagonist, and this binding was displaced by H1 receptor antagonists and histamine with affinities comparable with those in membranes of bovine adrenal medulla. H1 receptor mRNA was shown to be expressed in brain and in peripheral tissues, including lung, small intestine, and adrenal medulla. This investigation discloses the molecular nature of the H1 receptor--a receptor that mediates diverse neuronal and peripheral actions of histamine and that may be of therapeutic importance in allergy.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Factor IX Amagasaki: a new mutation in the catalytic domain resulting in the loss of both coagulant and esterase activities.

Factor IX Amagasaki (AMG) is a naturally occurring mutant of factor IX having essentially no coagulant activity, even though normal levels of antigen are detected in plasma. Factor IX AMG was purified from the patient's plasma by immunoaffinity chromatography with an anti-factor IX monoclonal antibody column. Factor IX AMG was cleaved normally by factor VIIa-tissue factor complex, yielding a two-chain factor IXa. Amino acid composition and sequence analysis of one of the tryptic peptides isolated from factor IX AMG revealed that Gly-311 had been replaced by Glu. We identified a one-base substitution of guanine to adenine in exon VIII by amplifying exon VIII using the polymerase chain reaction method and sequencing the product. This base mutation also supported the replacement of Gly-311 by Glu. In the purified system, factor IXa AMG did not activate factor X in the presence of factor VIII, phospholipids, and Ca2+, and no esterase activity toward Z-Arg-p-nitrobenzyl ester was observed. The model building of the serine protease domain of factor IXa suggests that the Gly-311----Glu exchange would disrupt the specific conformational state in the active site environment, resulting in the substrate binding site not forming properly. This is the first report to show the experimental evidence for importance of a highly conserved Gly-142 (chymotrypsinogen numbering) located in the catalytic site of mammalian serine proteases so far known.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Histamine-induced cyclic AMP accumulation in type-1 and type-2 astrocytes in primary culture.

Histamine-induced cyclic AMP (cAMP) accumulation was studied in purified primary cultures of type-1 and type-2 astrocytes from neonatal rat brain. Histamine induced remarkable cAMP accumulation in type-1 astrocytes in a dose-dependent manner (EC50 = 1.2 x 10(-5) M, Emax = 1100% of control). In contrast, histamine had no significant effect on cAMP accumulation in type-2 astrocytes. Famotidine, an H2-antagonist, dose-dependently inhibited histamine-induced cAMP accumulation in type-1 astrocytes (Ki = 3 x 10(-8) M), but mepyramine (10(-6) M), an H1-antagonist, had no effect. Dimaprit and impromidine, H2-agonists, stimulated cAMP accumulation, but 2-pyridylethylamine, an H1-agonist, did not stimulate it nor augment the H2-agonist-induced cAMP accumulation. These results indicate that (1) histamine induces cAMP accumulation in type-1 astrocytes but not in type-2 astrocytes, and that (2) histamine-induced cAMP accumulation in type-1 astrocytes is mediated by H2-receptors without significant augmentation via H1-receptors.

Animals↗

Type-2 astrocytes show intracellular Ca2+ elevation in response to various neuroactive substances.

The effects of various neuroactive substances on the intracellular free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) in cultured type-2 astrocytes were examined by fura-2-based microfluorometry. Type-2 astrocytes showed [Ca2+]i elevation in response to all the substances examined, i.e. carbachol (10(-4) M), histamine (10(-4) M), noradrenaline (10(-4) M), serotonin (10(-4) M), substance P (10(-6) M), vasopressin (10(-6) M) and glutamate (10(-4) M). Not all type-2 astrocytes, however, responded to these substances at the concentrations tested, and the percentages of astrocytes showing a Ca2+ response differed depending on the substance. These results indicate that type-2 astrocytes are potential targets for widely diverse neuroactive substances and heterogeneous in response to them.

Animals↗

Preparation of soluble murine IL-6 receptor and anti-murine IL-6 receptor antibodies.

Starting with a previously isolated cDNA clone encoding murine IL-6R, a stable transformed Chinese hamster ovary cell line constitutively expressing soluble murine IL-6R (smIL-6R) has been established. The smIL-6R was purified to homogeneity by sequential filtration and chromatography of culture medium. The smIL-6R augmented the sensitivity of M1 cells to IL-6 in their growth inhibition in a dose-response manner. Rat hybridomas producing mAb specific to murine IL-6R were also established. One of the clones, RS13, produced IgG2a isotype that was capable of inhibiting IL-6 activity. ELISA for the quantitation of smIL-6R was established, which could detect smIL-6R in a quantity as low as 1 ng/ml.

Amino Acid Sequence↗